Maternity clothes--where can I find my style stuff?

[Kindermama]

I'm getting really frustrated trying to find clothes to wear. I gave away all previously owned maternity stuff so I had to start from stratch. Right now, I have 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of jeans and 3 shirts from the Gap and that's it! Needless to say, I need more! 

I'm a size 10 now (was a size 8) and my butt and saddlebags are holding nearly all the weight I've gained so skinny jeans and draping jersey cotton skirts are not flattering at all.  I really want to find more shorts with the 5-6 inches panel at the waist and 5-7 inch long inseams with maybe some cute cargo pockets or something. I found a couple of pairs on Old Navy's site but I don't think they look well made--I don't like the buttons on them either. I also really want a few elastic waist or drawstring a-line calf-length skirts that don't cling to the hips...maybe thicker cotton or hemp as the fabric. I typically wear JCrew, Gap, Patagonia and Horny Toad style clothing----think simple, outdoorsy and slightly hippy. It seems like all the websites I come across sell mostly chic, trendy maternity clothes that I would never wear.  Any suggestions???? If you share the same style, what are you wearing these days and from where did you buy it??

Edited by Kindermama - 7/8/11 at 8:24am

[diana_of_the_dunes]

I have the same problem.  I'm an Eddie Bauer/Columbia/outdoorsy kind of gal.  I've had decent luck at Old Navy, but I always look in person.  Most of what I'm wearing right now came from Once Upon a Child.  There's a store about 30 miles away that carries second-hand maternity, and I hit the jackpot when I went there.  I couldn't find anything at Kohl's or Motherhood, which are the only other stores near here that carry any decent maternity clothes.  My biggest problem is that when I find a style I like, it's always in bright, flashy colors.  I like earth tones, not bright.

Have you tried ebay?  I had great luck there with my last pregnancy and found a few hippy-type tops that were really cute.  I also remember seeing a lot of Gap maternity clothes that weren't too expensive.  It makes me crazy to shell out a bunch of money on stuff I'll only wear for 9 months of my life (plus any subsequent pregnancies), but I refuse to wear clothes that make me feel even cruddier than I already do!

[softlysinging]

I was going to suggest ebay too.  The maternity styles have changed a ton since I had my first 7 years ago, and my favorite clothes are those from my 2nd pregnancy in 2007.  I have gone on ebay to replace my favorite pair of jean cargo shorts.

[AfricanQueen99]

You might want to look around at diaperswappers (if you don't mind used clothing) as there are a ton of procreating women selling stuff over there!

[danamichele]

Ugh, I have the same problem-- and I'm petite!  Petite maternity clothes I don't hate are hard to come by.  I wore clothes I hated my entire last pregnancy (almost all pink), and I refuse to do so again.  I want to feel better about myself than that.  So I'm on the lookout for some decent clothes, which will probably require another trip into the big city an hour away.  Even though it's pricier, they have stuff there I can try one and I actually like and feel good in.  And I don't have to buy anything I don't LOVE, because I already have clothes I don't love.  Sorry I'm not more help though.  :/

[squidink]

While I don't have the same style as you, I have the same problem.  In addition to being really tall (5'11") the majority of clothes I like are androgynous/modern/rocker type things in dark colors.  Most of what I've found as far as tops are frilly empire waist things in bright colors.  Skinny jeans are ok, but I can't find any maternity ones that are long enough.  I hate shopping with a fiery rage, making this even more frustrating.  So I guess I don't have any suggestions, but I'd love to hear some from any other tall and not-at-all-girly mamas out there.

[Conchobhar]

Originally Posted by squidink 

While I don't have the same style as you, I have the same problem.  In addition to being really tall (5'11") the majority of clothes I like are androgynous/modern/rocker type things in dark colors.  Most of what I've found as far as tops are frilly empire waist things in bright colors.  Skinny jeans are ok, but I can't find any maternity ones that are long enough.  I hate shopping with a fiery rage, making this even more frustrating.  So I guess I don't have any suggestions, but I'd love to hear some from any other tall and not-at-all-girly mamas out there.

Now THIS I can help with!!!!

http://www.stellamaternity.com/punk.html

http://www.mamasanmaternity.com/

http://www.ticci.hu/maternity/index.html

http://www.trendytummymaternity.com/rock-maternity.html

http://store.urbanbabyrunway.com/maternity.html

(BTW, when kiddo comes - http://www.punkbabyclothes.net)

[AfricanQueen99]

If any of you sew there are patterns out there.  Megan Nielson makes some - http://shop.megannielsen.com/category/sewing-patterns

I am not a sewer, but desperately want a few of these tops - http://shop.megannielsen.com/product/mn1003-wrap-around-maternity-top-pdf-sewing-pattern

[redbirdlady]

I tend to dress similarly, and believe it or not, Old Navy and Motherhood Maternity have done decently for me.  You may really have to LOOK, and I've never ended up with a TON of stuff, but between those two, ebay, and thrift stores, I've done some decent additions to my maternity wardrobe.  (I am a size bigger this pregnancy vs. previous ones.)

I have been living in two pairs of cargo shorts from Motherhood (with the big stretchy over-the-belly waistband that I just LOVE) and an Old Navy prairie skirt from several years ago (that I wish I had bought in more than one color.)  I bought a black maternity sundress from Sears a few years ago that I wear at least twice a week, and have a jersey maternity dress from a Motherhood Outlet that I also absolutely love.  (In fact, whenever we go on a weekend getaway or vacation, I always scope out the outlet malls that will be on the way before we leave to see if there is a Motherhood Outlet nearby.  They have a whole separate line - or they change out the labels? - for their outlet stores.)

I've been on the lookout for jeans, since the end of this pregnancy will be in the fall/winter, but haven't found any that I'm in love with yet, either the fit or the bedazzling/embroidery/other weird stuff that manufacturers feel compelled to do to perfectly fine jeans.

My point is, don't be afraid to venture into random stores like Motherhood and see if they have any classic pieces that are hidden in all that trendyness.

[squidink]

Thanks conchobar!  

This afternoon I swallowed my trepidation and attempted to shop for maternity pants.  I went to the sad, sad mall in my town.  The only place that had jeans that were long enough was motherhood, but they weren't quite the fit I like and they felt waaay too stretchy, like if I wear them for an hour the butt will be all saggy.  I've never worn maternity jeans, is that a realistic fear?  

I also went to all the dismal little corners in department stores set aside for maternity clothes.  Nada.  Target was also a disappointment.     Gap and Old Navy in my town don't carry maternity stuff, I have to drive more than an hour to get to the nearest ones that do.   I hate shopping and I hate driving almost as much.  I think I'm going to do the entirety of my clothes shopping online and just send stuff back if it doesn't fit.  

[squidink]

Originally Posted by AfricanQueen99 

I am not a sewer, but desperately want a few of these tops - http://shop.megannielsen.com/product/mn1003-wrap-around-maternity-top-pdf-sewing-pattern

That top is so cute.  I have 4 sewing projects in the queue, but I totally want to skip them all and make ten of those tops in different colors.

[futuremamaheather]

I am so dreading the time when I completely don't fit into my regular clothes. For the summer I have some shorts with elastic waists, a skort and some Enwrapshure Vintage skirts, and my teeshirts all fit fine. Come fall I'm screwed. My jeans didn't fit anymore when summer weather rolled around, so I HAVE to do something there, and I'll want at least one dressier pair of pants too. And I'll need some longer shirts too. But if it's hard finding plus sized, non-totally-trendy clothing NOW, I'm dreading finding plus sized maternity clothes. That doesn't have sequins and weird embroidery etc on it, AND doesn't cost a fortune.

[AfricanQueen99]

Originally Posted by squidink 

That top is so cute.  I have 4 sewing projects in the queue, but I totally want to skip them all and make ten of those tops in different colors.

I know!  I'm *this* close to buying the pattern and pulling out the sewing machine I bought a year ago and still haven't bothered to learn.  I read somewhere that it's a good pattern for beginners.

[HardCoreMom]

i totally hear you, squid.  i am a thin 6'2", and i have a hard enough time finding pants to fit me when i'm NOT pregnant.  finding decent maternity clothes for my frame is never fun.

i also confess that i hate shopping, especially for clothes, and i'm super picky about where i buy things and where they were made.  i will probably start with consignment shops, where i hope to find an eclectic mix of clothes.  emphasis: hope.

[AfricanQueen99]

You want to know what I found in my basement today?  I know you do!

The box of stuff ready to go to the Goodwill...which I thought I had already taken.  With clothes from my son's pregnancy!  He was due same as this kid so the season's match.  Go me and my complete procrastination.  So now I'm set with two pairs of capris for Summer, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of pants, and a couple of tops.  Woot!

[kismetbaby]

Originally Posted by squidink 

Thanks conchobar!  

This afternoon I swallowed my trepidation and attempted to shop for maternity pants.  I went to the sad, sad mall in my town.  The only place that had jeans that were long enough was motherhood, but they weren't quite the fit I like and they felt waaay too stretchy, like if I wear them for an hour the butt will be all saggy.  I've never worn maternity jeans, is that a realistic fear?  

I also went to all the dismal little corners in department stores set aside for maternity clothes.  Nada.  Target was also a disappointment.     Gap and Old Navy in my town don't carry maternity stuff, I have to drive more than an hour to get to the nearest ones that do.   I hate shopping and I hate driving almost as much.  I think I'm going to do the entirety of my clothes shopping online and just send stuff back if it doesn't fit.  

Oh, do you have a H&M near you? They have really awesome maternity stuff that is much more on the rocker girl side of things (or at least less frilly). . .problem being they don't sell online (or maybe they do by now, check it out).  But I love H&M pregnant or not.

The other thing I did last pg is to just shop for regular clothes (works best for tops) and buy them either bigger or buy on'es that just happen to be more flowy.  I wore lots of non maternity stuff last time.  Also anything with an elastic waist like many skirts or yoga type pants. 

I tend to be just fine with Old Navy. Gap is a bit pricey, although I like their stuff. Target sometimes works. Basically, I don't sweat it too much since it's not something I have to wear for years to come!  I actually care a lot more about finding really good nursing shirts!  

[AfricanQueen99]

^^^Such a good suggestion! I mostly wear non- maternity, too, since I gain so little and it all goes in my mid section. Most shirts fit through the whole pregnancy. Are empire waist shirts still "in"? They would be perfect.

[softlysinging]

Yeah I always scour the $5 t-shirt section at target and get some in bigger sizes.  they are SUPER thin too which is awesome at the end when you don't want too much material touching you.

[squidink]

I didn't even think of H&M!  I used to shop at one all the time when I lived near one.  Thanks kismet.  The nearest one is like an hour and a half away, but if I get desperate enough I might just have to take drive & hit old navy, gap & H&M.  In other news, last night an acquaintance offered me her belly bands from her last pregnancy, so I can probably wear my pre-pregnancy jeans for another month.  

[music.mama.pdx]

 I agree about how ugly maternity clothes can be. And let me age myself when I tell you that when I was pregnant with my son (who is 21) they were WAY worse. I am impressed so far with what I've found. I got a few basics from old navy (skirt, yoga pants and a plain dress - on sale all for less than $50!) and a pair of dark wash jeans from pea/pod (also on sale, otherwise, too spendy). I am still only 14 weeks so I don't need to wear everything maternity yet but I can tell it's coming soon. My plan is to check out the local thrift store. I am really lucky to live in a city where people rely heavily on reuse/thrift/free cycle so I know the choices will be good. I agree about H&M - I went in there early on and saw some super cute stuff. I may go back again soon.

Any of you mamas buy those maternity/nursing tops and or dresses? I am wondering if they are worth it at all.